In a bit of serendipity, the ReTree volunteers had to step over a fallen dead ash tree to get to where they were going to plant healthy new native trees at the Fifth Annual ReTree Planting Event.
A crisp, sunny day on Sat., Oct. 17, 2026, made for excellent conditions for 18 volunteers to plant 40 native trees and shrubs in Whiting Road Nature Preserve. Half of the trees were from the ReTree nursery, potted months ago and nurtured to grow big enough to “graduate” to a forever home. The other half were larger trees donated by RG&E, part of their ongoing partnership with Friends of Webster Trails. Since 2023, RG&E has donated more than 100 sizable trees, making a visible difference in Webster’s preserves.
The smaller trees included Oaks and Sycamores that found homes on the Blue Trail, while the Brown Trail was the new home for the larger Sweet Gums, Hornbeams, Serviceberry, and Basswood.
The new trees join more than 750 that have been planted through the ReTree effort since 2022, building the future forests of Webster.
Seeing the dead and fallen trees in our preserves can be disheartening. But planting new trees is a legacy FWT will leave for generations to come.